MTL - 72

Tang Yu, I think I’m no longer worried about the ten-point conclusion. Even if you don’t truly love me with all ten points, even if I’ve exaggerated my feelings more than yours, it doesn’t matter.

You easily make me happy and make me like you.

— “Little Sugar Heart’s Diary”

Tang Xin was still hesitating on the couch about whether to call Tang Yu when her WeChat suddenly buzzed incessantly. She was momentarily stunned and opened WeChat—

You Huan: “Boss Tang’s move is commendable. I misunderstood him earlier. Little Rich Girl, you’ve made it; from now on, you’re the queen.”

Zhong Yan: “Cousin, congratulations! My classmates are all envying you.”

Ming Xiaozhu: “All the waiting was worth it.”

Han Xiaoxiao: “Everyone in the company has gone crazy! Tang Xin, are you going to be our boss’s wife?”

...

There were also a bunch of greetings from relatives like uncles, aunts, cousins, and siblings. Tang Xin skimmed through them all and opened the chat with Tang Dingding. Tang Dingding had sent several screenshots, all from her Weibo private messages and comments, where netizens were flocking to express their concern and sympathy.

Tang Xin saw the most-liked comment—”So, Shiguang Film’s investment in ‘A Dream For You’ wasn’t tailor-made for Tang Dingding but rather Tang Yu promoting his girlfriend? Suddenly feel sorry for Tang Dingding.”

Tang Dingding sent an emoji hugging herself, pitifully saying: “What did I do wrong to deserve public execution? Everyone online knows that Brother didn’t invest in the movie just for me. You became the biggest winner. You need to compensate me!”

Tang Xin: “...”

With a slight thought, she immediately opened Weibo.

In the video, the man was dressed in a sleek, tailored black suit, lazily leaning on the sofa, exuding a slightly aloof demeanor. His handsome profile and relaxed smile as he refuted the host’s words captivated her:

“No.”

“Because this book was written by my girlfriend, and it’s also her first adapted movie.”

“The lead actress was chosen by Lu Zhixing and her. The image fits perfectly, and my sister just happened to be willing.”

...

Only this two-minute video clip was posted on Weibo. Tang Xin almost held her breath while watching it. After finishing, she replayed it. Those few sentences were etched into her heart. She remembered his expression, his voice, every word after just one listen.

The second time, as soon as the man started speaking, her nose tingled, and her eyes turned red.

Tang Yu, you big jerk, how could you not tell me and quietly go public?

She knew nothing...

While cursing, she couldn’t help but eagerly call him on video, heedless of everything, just wanting to see him and hear his voice, whether on video or in person...

The video connected surprisingly quickly—

Tang Yu was waiting for the elevator downstairs, scrolling through the news on his phone. When her video call came through, he glanced at the elevator display and answered it anyway.

When the video connected, the first thing Tang Xin heard was a “ding.”

She stared intently at the screen. What met her eyes was the cold interior wall of the elevator. The video shook, and the clear, handsome outline of the man appeared. She bit her lip and stared at the video, suddenly feeling tongue-tied, unable to utter a word.

Tang Yu looked at the pitiful, tearful girl on the video, paused for a moment, guessed she must have seen the online news, but didn’t expect her to cry. His heart softened, and he gently asked: “Why are you crying?”

“Not much...” she whispered softly, her wet eyes staring at the cold elevator walls. There was no one around him, “Where are you?”

Tang Yu pressed the floor button, the elevator doors slowly closing, and softly said: “In the elevator.”

She didn’t ask which elevator, biting her lip: “Tang Yu, why didn’t you tell me...”

“If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise.” Tang Yu put one hand in his pocket. He didn’t intend to be so high-profile, but coincidentally, photos of the two were exposed on Weibo, and the recorded program aired just when she was being scolded by fans. He didn’t even have to intervene; it should be the marketing bought by the program team. By now, the show’s ratings must have skyrocketed. Seeing her still red eyes, he smiled faintly, “Don’t cry, okay?”

The next second, the video suddenly froze.

Tang Xin’s phone rang—it was Zhong Lijun calling.

Without thinking, she hung up.

She didn’t need to guess what Zhong Lijun would say. She and Tang Dawei must have seen the news. She would deal with them after talking to Tang Yu.

The video connected again.

Tang Xin lowered her head, feeling both regretful and shy, muttering: “I didn’t mean to cry...”

But she couldn’t help it.

She wasn’t someone who cried easily in the first place.

Ding—

The elevator doors opened.

Tang Yu strode out of the elevator.

Tang Xin’s phone rang again, this time from Tang Dawei.

She hesitated for a second but still hung up.

The next moment, she saw the familiar ceiling and hallway in the video. Her heart leapt with excitement. The man lowered his phone; this angle was very challenging for one’s appearance, but his sharp profile was unaffected. He softly said: “Open the door for me.”

Tang Xin’s eyes lit up, and she hurriedly jumped off the sofa, barefoot, rushing to the door and opening it with force.

The man stood outside the door, exuding cold air, the video still connected on his phone, which he hadn’t hung up. He glanced down at her smooth, slender feet, stepped inside, took the phone from her hand, and placed both phones on the cabinet.

One of them looked up, the other looked down, silently staring at each other, but their hearts seemed to be connected, sensing each other’s rapid and intense heartbeats.

Tang Yu raised his hand, the rough pad of his finger touching the corner of her eye. She suddenly crashed into his firm embrace, hooking her arms around his neck, her lips nearing his, stopping just two centimeters away, her thick eyelashes fluttering incessantly.

Their breaths mingled, breathing erratic, their blood rapidly coursing through their veins. Tang Yu’s Adam’s apple rolled forcefully as he tightly gripped her delicate waist, closed his eyes, leaned down, kissed her lips, and hoarsely asked, “What were you hesitating about just now? Did you want me to make the first move?”

“Mm...” she murmured vaguely, her body tingling like an electric shock, “I like it when you take the initiative.”

He chuckled lowly, biting her lip gently before pushing forward, kissing her passionately and unrestrainedly without any reservation.

The phone rang again.

Tang Xin let out a soft moan, her mind instantly clearing.

It must be Tang Dawei calling.

She struggled a few times, but Tang Yu simply pressed her hands behind her back. Tang Xin’s body trembled lightly, pressing tightly against his chest, feeling his body burning hot. As they entangled at the entrance, unable to part, the phone rang for the third time.

Tang Xin finally managed to catch her breath for a second and urgently said: “I... my dad’s call...”

If she didn’t answer, they would both get beaten upon their next meeting.

Tang Yu paused, fully regaining his composure and rationality.

Tang Xin stood on his shoes, grabbed the phone, and answered it. As soon as the call connected, Tang Dawei’s rugged voice came through: “Young lady, you finally dare to answer the phone? Tell me what you were doing just now? You didn’t even pick up!”

Tang Xin: “...”

Her face flushed red, and she looked up at Tang Yu.

The man smirked at her, casually tidying her rumpled clothes and tucking her messy hair behind her ear.

Tang Xin lowered her head and coughed: “Dad...”

Before she could say more, Tang Dawei interrupted: “Don’t call me Dad! Do you think of me as your father? What did I tell you before? Not only are you with some random guy, but you’ve also made it known to the whole world.”

“...”

Tang Xin glanced at Tang Yu, signaling him to stay silent, walked in with the phone, and helplessly said: “He’s not some random guy. His name is Tang Yu; you’ve met him before. You can find his information on Baidu Baike—he’s a decent person.”

Tang Yu paused while taking off his coat, glancing at her slim back.

He walked over, sat beside her, and gestured for her to put the call on speaker.

Tang Xin hesitated for a moment, then turned on the speaker.

The next second, Tang Dawei’s voice echoed throughout the living room: “What kind of decent person is he? I didn’t even know you two were dating! And I haven’t approved yet! He sure knows how to show off! Is he deliberately hyping the movie on the program?”

Tang Xin: “...”

Tang Yu: “...”

They exchanged glances, and Tang Xin innocently looked at him.

Tang Yu picked up the glass of water on the table, drank a few sips—it was cold, perfect. He took the phone and calmly spoke: “Uncle, this is my oversight, and I apologize. But I definitely didn’t use…”

On the other end of the line, Tang Dawei and Zhong Lijun never expected Tang Yu to be there. After a few seconds of silence, Tang Dawei angrily said: “Who’s your uncle! Look at you, with Ming Zhu and Lu Chuning…”

“Dad!”

Tang Xin quickly interrupted him, turned off the speakerphone, and whispered into Tang Yu’s ear, “Go wait in the room. Let me handle this.”

Tang Yu looked at her helplessly but didn’t move.

She pushed and kicked him, urging him to go.

Tang Yu looked deeply at her, remained silent for two seconds, then got up and walked toward the bathroom. Only after his tall, upright figure disappeared did Tang Xin cover the phone and carefully walk to the balcony, whispering: “Dad, I like him.”

Tang Dawei’s anger subsided, and he suddenly didn’t know what to say.

Tang Xin pursed her lips, listening to the howling cold wind outside the window. On this deep winter night, even the light felt cold. She softly repeated: “Dad, I like him, I have for a long time.” Then added, “Those things online are half-true, half-false. You don’t need to worry about them. He surely considered a lot before publicly acknowledging our relationship. Think about it… as the CEO of a listed company, is it better for him to marry an actress or me? Of course, I don’t care about those things either. Even though I like him, I’m still myself. I haven’t forgotten what you said—love yourself.”

Tang Dawei and Zhong Lijun exchanged looks. Zhong Lijun sneered: “I told you something was going on between you two, but you denied it earlier. Feeling ashamed?”

Tang Xin: “...”

She looked up in speechlessness, admitting: “Yes.”

Tang Dawei snorted: “Don’t think I’ll let him off just like that. Thinking you’re so grandiose. I only see that you’ve been wronged before, and we can’t just let this slide.”

Really...

Not willing to take any loss.

Tang Xin had no choice but to pull out her trump card, whining and pouting: “Can you scold him in person next time we meet? Can we leave it for tonight? Please, please? Pirate Dad...”

Tang Dawei: “...”

After a few seconds, Zhong Lijun calmly spoke: “Are you two living together? You already live next door, quite convenient. Listen, you need to protect yourself. Even if you do sleep together, remember contraception! Restraint!”

Tang Dawei’s face immediately darkened: “He dares!”

Tang Xin: “...”

What were they thinking!

Her face reddened, and she mumbled an affirmative sound: “He’s injured, he doesn’t have the energy. Don’t overthink it!” Without caring about their expressions, she hastily said goodbye and hung up.

...

The bedroom lights were on. Tang Xin pushed the door open, and the light spilled in from the half-opened door, dimly illuminating the man leaning against the headboard. Tang Yu’s white shirt was unbuttoned at the top, revealing a clear, sexy Adam’s apple. He lounged against the headboard, idly playing with her tarot cards on the bedside table.

Seeing her come in, he beckoned with a finger.

Tang Xin’s heartbeat quickened slightly as she slowly walked over. He pulled her onto his lap, his chin resting on her shoulder, and softly asked: “What did you say just now?”

“My parents aren’t happy. When we meet next time, you might have to endure some suffering…” She honestly said, turning around to hug him. Her short sweater moved, exposing a small section of her pale waist. She earnestly looked at him and asked, “Are you afraid?”

“What do you want to hear?”

He lazily hugged her waist, nonchalantly looking at her.

“... Of course, the truth.”

Tang Yu’s hand rested on her tender waist, gently rubbing. Then he flipped her over onto the bed, burying his head in her neck, chuckling softly, teasing her: “I’ve done all sorts of things to you, so of course, I have to take responsibility. If your dad really wants to beat me up, I’ll accept it.”

Tang Xin: “...”

All sorts of things?

Had they done all sorts of things?

Her heart thumped wildly. She turned her head, meeting his pitch-black eyes, swallowed, and timidly asked:

“Tang Yu, is Little Tang Yu alright?”

“...”

He hadn’t heard clearly, or perhaps he dared not confirm if he understood correctly. He propped himself halfway up, gazing down at her, and softly asked: “Little... Tang Yu?”